Sam Junqua, Michael Nelson make first Dynamo starts in U.S. Open Cup loss

Houston Dynamo Ronaldo Pena, right, celebrates his goal against the Minnesota United FC during the first half of game at BBVA Stadium Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in Houston.

Houston Dynamo Ronaldo Pena, right, celebrates his goal against the Minnesota United FC during the first half of game at BBVA Stadium Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

Photo: Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

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Houston Dynamo Ronaldo Pena, right, celebrates his goal against the Minnesota United FC during the first half of game at BBVA Stadium Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in Houston.

Houston Dynamo Ronaldo Pena, right, celebrates his goal against the Minnesota United FC during the first half of game at BBVA Stadium Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

Sam Junqua, Michael Nelson make first Dynamo starts in U.S. Open Cup loss

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It's not atypical for MLS teams to field secondary players through the early rounds of the U.S. Open Cup.

On Tuesday, as the Houston Dynamo sought to defend their U.S. Open Cup title in a Round of 16 match against Minnesota United, coach Wilmer Cabrera took the opportunity to start rookie defender Sam Junqua and second-year goalkeeper Michael Nelson.

But after establishing a 2-0 lead in the first half, the Dynamo surrendered a trio of second half goals as their title defense came to an end.

"They showed that they can beat this team," Cabrera said of his lineup, before addressing Junqua and Nelson more directly.

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"We need to see if they can help us," he said of his two first-time starters. "(Defender) Adam Lundkvist is not here so we cannot use him."

While Lundkvist is in Sweden working to acquire his green card, Junqua played the entire match on Tuesday.

He created two chances, recorded three tackles and conceded a foul.

But in the 90th minute he was beaten on the right flank, a mistake that facilitated Minnesota's game-winning goal.

"I'm not going to blame him for the third goal," Cabrera said. "(A) veteran player (would) make a foul but he's trying to learn that."

Nelson garnered attention for his quick reactions in his first competitive appearance with the Dynamo. His performance was highlighted by a lightning-quick diving save which preserved what was then a Dynamo lead in the 59th minute.

He finished the game with six saves.

"This is the first opportunity we had the chance to play him and he saved us three, four times," Cabrera said of Nelson. "We have a future there but the only way for us to know how good he is or not is we play him."